Not too long ago my wife and I were discussing when it is that people grow old. After briefly throwing out ages, we began to identify “old people” in their 30’s and 40’s and marveled at some friends who were well into their 70’s who were full of life contributing their talents to those around them.
I’m sure I’m not the first to draw this conclusion, but it seems to me that growing old has nothing to do with the year we were born, but rather what it is we’re capable of dreaming and pursuing. It appears that when our dreams begin to fade and our vision is clouded and vague that we begin age exponentially.
When I think of great leaders, age never seems to be a factor. It’s their enthusiasm, their inspiration, their vision and dreams that keep them young and vibrant.
Consider this…
Henry Ford was 40 when he founded Ford
Thomas Edison was 45 when he founded GE
Harold Stanley was 50 when he founded Morgan Stanley
Ray Croc was 52 when he founded McDonalds
Charles Flint was 61 when he founded IBM
The Colonel was 62 when he founded KFC
Bifocals were invented by Benjamin Franklin at 73
Over 33% of new businesses are started by “seniors”
My point? As leaders your chronological age is irrelevant…it’s your leadership age, your ability to inspire and motivate that keeps you young, and keeps those around you guessing how old you really are…
Be good to yourself…
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